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Rockville Centre is a small village in southwestern Long Island, east of New York City. Although the village has limited attractions, there are some historical and educational activities for visitors to enjoy. The area's outdoor recreation facilities also make a visit worthwhile.

Phillips House Museum

Built around the 1870s, the Phillips House Museum (no website; 28 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre; 516-764-7459) was originally the home of sea Captain Samuel Phillips. The museum lets visitors explore the lifestyles of 19th and early 20th century Rockville Centre. See antique kitchen tools, carpentry tools, children's toys, furniture, silver services, artwork and other artifacts from the period. The museum is open to the public on weekends, and additional tours are available by appointment only.

Parks and Fields

Stop by one of Rockville Centre's parks and enjoy the scenery in the village. Lister Park (no website; Chester Rd., Rockville Centre; 516-678-9238) has two fields, Lister Field and Barasch Field, for picnicking or playing baseball, softball, soccer and other field sports. Mill River Field (no website; Windsor Ave, Rockville Centre; 516-678-9238) offers similar facilities. Visit the Veterans Memorial Park (no website; 111 Oceanside Rd., Rockville Centre; 516-678-9238), which commemorates local veterans and hosts the annual Memorial Day services.

Hempstead Lake State Park

Located about 3 miles north of Rockville Centre, the Hempstead Lake State Park (no website; Eagle Ave., West Hempstead; 516-766-1029) has facilities for sports and other outdoor activities. Go fishing in McDonald Pond, South Pond or Hempstead Lake for trout, perch, pickerel, bass and other fish. You can also go biking, hiking, walking, jogging or horseback riding on the trails or play a game of basketball on the courts. An antique, hand-carved wooden carousel is the star attraction of this state park.

Center for Science Teaching and Learning

Visit the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (cstl.org) at the Tanglewood Preserve in Rockville Centre. The center has a variety of exhibits that help visitors explore and understand the sciences. Guests interested in animals enjoy the Amazing Animals Exhibit, where they can see reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds in indoor and outdoor facilities. Visitors are also welcome to explore the grounds and the nature trails throughout the Tanglewood Preserve free of charge.

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About the Author

Jarrett Melendez is a journalist, playwright and novelist who has been writing for more than seven years. His first published work was a play titled, "Oh, Grow Up!" which he wrote and performed with a group of his classmates in 2002.